Category Archives: naturist retreat

After the excess of Burning Man, we were ready for a few days rest before ending our holiday in San Francisco, so we stayed two nights at the gorgeous Lake Tahoe, home of our third and final naked adventure.

We stayed at Zephyr Cove RV Campground in South Lake Tahoe. It is a lovely spot, just across the road from the lake itself, with good shower/toilet facilities. We did feel a little under-equiped as we parked up alongside 35 foot RVs (especially one covered in Playa Dust!). At using the showers, we had a meal in the restaurant next to the campground before falling asleep listening out for bears in the woods!

After a good nights sleep (we were so, so tired!), it was time to check out the local nudist beach.

Secret Cove, Lake Tahoe

I’d spent a bit of time researching where the exact location of this beach is but too be honest none could help me locate the exact spot. I think that the name of the cove changes depending on which website you read (some call it Secret Beach, some Secret Cove, some Paradise Cove, etc). What I can say is that it is definitely called Secret Cove and it is gorgeous!

Directions

In terms of directions, we took the Interstate 50 north from Zephyr Cove, then turned north up the Interstate 28 towards North Lake Tahoe. About 5km along this road, you’ll come to a line a cars parked on the left hand side before arriving at Chimney Beach Parking Lot on the left (with a small overspill on the right). I knew that Chimney Beach was too far north, so we turned round here and parked up with the others cars that we had just past. Here we spotted a path going down towards the Lake. Taking a right (North) we picked a more well-trodden path and soon came across a sign for Secret Cove.

Beach

After following the path for a further 10 minutes or so we were greeted by the view of the cove. I don’t think that the pictures can do it justice – it is amazing. Crystal-clear waters, soft sand/shingle beach, pine trees – everything about this place was picturesque.

The actual beach is quite small, meaning that the 50 or so people there are quite close together. Some may find this a bit uncomfortable – especially given American’s way of constantly talking to you – it certainly was different to the more quieter beaches we’ve experienced in Portugal and Spain.

There was a good mix of people on the beach – mostly couples and families, some older single men, people relaxing after Burning Man, small group of gay men (located further south along the beach) as well as a small group of young girls (who seemed to be trying naturism for the first-time. They actually commented that this was their Burning Man – if only they knew!). Everyone was really friendly – we were offered some melon from a fellow beach goer.

The water was really refreshing, given the heat of the mid-day sun and it was really nice not to feel all salty after you normally feel after a day at the beach.

I think this is my favourite beach I’ve ever been to – certainly a 10/10.

Apologies for the delay in posting recently, been very busy as well as suffering from post-holiday blues! Having saved up for months and months, me and my amazing wife went on holiday to America. I won’t bore you all with how fantastic it was (it really was fantastic!), instead I’ll focus on the naked adventures we had:

Living Waters Spa, Desert Hot Springs

After checking out Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon we picked up our hire car and drove West towards Los Angeles (via an overnight stop at Living Waters Spa).

When booking the accommodation (email, couple of telephone calls) we were sent our booking confirmation with a note at the bottom that said ‘no check-in after 5.00pm’. At the time of booking we thought nothing of this and it was only as we were still an hour away from our destination (at about 4.30pm) that we thought anything of it.

Surely there would be someone there to let us in?

How can they say no check-in after 5.00pm?

What if you arrive on a late flight?

Arriving at 5.30pm excited at the prospect of enjoying the ‘award winning European-style clothing optional spa’ we were greeted by a locked door. No sign, no note, nothing. Having knocked on every door we could find, we started to panic. The sun was going down and we had nowhere to stay. Fortunately, we found a public payphone at a local supermarket (where, incidentally, they sold the biggest sandwiches I’ve ever seen!) and managed to get hold on a member of staff. After explaining why we were late we arranged to meet back at Living Waters to check in – it felt like being back at school again!

We were shown to our en-suite room (with fridge and microwave) and left to get on with it, before heading back to the supermarket to pick up food for the evening.

Back at the motel and with the food and wine flowing, we were able to relax at this lovely place. The view from the motel is amazing, especially at dusk. There were two other couples booked in but they were both out for the evening so it felt like the whole place was ours – total bliss! Enjoying the pool and hot tub whilst looking up at the stars was an amazing experience I’ll never forget.

After a good nights sleep (the 10 hour round trip to the Grand Canyon really takes it out of you!), we made our way to the breakfast room. A selection of cereals and bagels was available as well as a help-yourself-as-much-as-you-want range of beverages through-out the day.

In the heat of the sun, we sat and read, took leisurely swims, sat in the mineral-fed hot tub and watched a hummingbird feeding from the plants in and around the pool.

I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this place, just remember to turn up on time!

Enjoyed the evening sun (and a few pints) at the roof terrace of the Bridge, Bridge Street in Manchester. The roof terrace is small but nice and quiet compared to the hundreds of people out around Spinningfields. We actually thought it would make an amazing naturist retreat (not overlooked, sun trap) – just needs a hot tub in the corner!

Saturday 26th May

Spent a lovely few hours soaking up the sun in the back garden. Managed to erect some screening to allow for a spot of naked sunbathing – Bliss!

I then went to a naturist swim organised by North West Naturists at Fit City Worsley in Walkden, Salford. There was around 40 people at the swim, mainly aged 40 years plus, although there was a good number of couples and a handful of younger folks.

On arrival, I was greeted at the door by one of the organisers, signed in, paid my £10 and shown where the facilities were. We had the full use of the venue which included a large pool, smaller ‘learner pool’, sauna and steam room. The organisers also set up a small area for refreshments. Everyone I spoke to was really friendly and will definitely go again. For more information about North West Naturists, click here.

Sunday 27th May

Waking up to another day of beautiful sunshine, we decided to travel over to Morfa Dyffryn naturist beach in North Wales.

The beach is located north of Barmouth on the A496 (the coast road). Almost exactly four miles from central Barmouth you’ll come across the village of Tal-y-bont. Drive through Tal-y-bont and over a narrow bridge. Shortly after this bridge you’ll come across a road down to the beach on the left-hand side (signposted ‘Traeth Beach’ and Dyffryn Seaside Estate). Follow this road down to the first car park. Here there is a road to the right signposted Dyffryn Seaside Estate. Drive into to campsite and turn left at the small roundabout. Here we paid £2 to leave the car all day. There is a small shop where you can buy provisions.

To get to the naturist section, take the path at the top of the car park which takes you through a cut in the sand dunes. Once you get to the beach, turn right. It’s about a 10 minute walk to the naturist section as is marked by official notice posts (the large number of naturists will also inform you that you are there!).

The weather was gorgeous (if a little windy. NB. recommend that you take a wind break), and there was a good number of naturists enjoying the sun (maybe around 100 in total). At the start of the naturist section, most beach-goers were couples in their 40 – 50’s or families with young children. The further along the naturist section, there was an increase in gay males. There was a fair amount of men in the sand dunes but saw no inappropriate sexual behaviour. Journey from Manchester took around 2 hours but was definitely worth it and we look forward to going back again this summer.